DETROIT – A Detroit woman is on a mission to make sure community members feel appreciated and seen.
The woman wants to be identified as Ra’Marie. Every other Saturday afternoon, she sets up a soup stand inside Artists Village on Lahser Road. Outside, the sidewalk marquee invites people strolling by to step inside for Community Appreciation. That’s where Ra’Marie has a large pot of gourmet soup simmering. A large pitcher of holistic tea is also ready nearby.
“So, how’s your morning been?” Ra’Marie asked a woman who stepped up to grab a cup of free gourmet soup.
“No complaints,” the woman replied.
On this Saturday, Ra’Marie and her mother prepared homemade chicken noodle soup. A soup, the women described as being prepared with love.
It’s a hearty soup, seasoned with the goal of community appreciation in mind.
“For me, it’s just spreading love and positivity,” Ra’Marie explained. “And just giving individuals the thought to just know they have hope.”
Ra’Marie is a therapist, by day. On weekends, she describes herself as an Appreciation Pusher.
“In these times of days, we lack that appreciation. We lack being loved, or just being able to speak how we actually feel,” Ra’Marie said.
The free cups of soup she distributes are an invitation to chat. Those chats often simmer into connections. At times, even for a moment, the soup helps feed a sense of hope.
“Best soup in town,” said John George as he stopped by to grab a cup of soup. “You can’t beat the price.”
Ra’Marie says her mission is intentional.
She explained, “It’s like everybody is always mad, you know what I’m saying? We can’t even speak to one another without mean-mugging, bumping, or just walking past like we don’t even matter. So, it’s important right now, at this time, to just know that it’s someone out here to just give you the appreciation that you need.”
Free soup Saturdays may seem like a simple mission, to some. For Ra’Marie and those who’ve grown to depend on her, it’s so much more.
“Yes. This is my purpose. I was chosen to do this,” she said.
Ra’Marie and her mom host Community Appreciation Saturdays with free soup and teas from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. every-other-Saturday. The next opportunity to grab a cup of soup and conversation will be Saturday, Feb. 17 at Artists Village located at 17336 Lahser Road in Detroit.
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